So, the Soweto born there she was her entourage of Cancer Survivors at the launch of annual Cancervice Awareness Ride, held at Sun Square, in Pretoria, addressing guests and media on how she detected cancer, how she’s treating it and the challenges she endured.
Cancer is the number one killer in the world, as opposed to HIV/AIDS, Malaria and tuberculosis.
(No pun intended) but she left many in stitches, including yours truly and being an honest mother, her team rose in applause when she uttered “we will not be silent”.
Mme Lilian and her team of bikers- mostly cancer survivors- will be embarking on their ninth Cancervive Awareness Ride, traversing over 1 200 kilometers across Gauteng and the North West Province to reach close to 30 000 people in outlying areas.
The eight-day journey key message is to spread the word about the importance of early detection of cancer and share their stories of hope, with the hopeless.
On the verge of collapsing into tears- one by one- the ladies described the anguish, some lost their loved ones, lost hope because of the stigma and some had to go for operation, after detecting cancer.
“It’s a feeling you live with for the rest of your life. The only thing we can share with you and the world is- please go for check-up or do it yourself before its too late,” pointed out Mme Lilian, always saying the unprintable but facts.
Cancer is the number one killer in the world, as opposed to HIV/AIDS, Malaria and tuberculosis.
Sinki Mlambo, Cancervive Project Leader, explained that awareness of cancer as well as its signs and symptoms is low in remote and rural areas.
Cancervive (pronounced “can survive”) was born from the dire need to raise the level of awareness of cancer amongst people in remote areas who are just as affected by the disease as those living in metropolitan areas.
“Cancer is shrouded in myths, including the widespread belief that it is mainly a ‘white’ person’s disease. Yet, cancer is prevalent in African cultures as well. True incidence rates are however masked due to under-diagnosis steaming from the fact that cancer education and testing is not readily available in remote African communities. It is critical that awareness of cancer within this population group is raised to encourage early diagnosis and treatment, which ultimately leads to a better prognosis for patients.
Survivors who use bikes to transport the message across the country, also share their testimonials, helping to break down some of the taboos, stigmas and fears surrounding cancer.
An emotional Brett Hoppé, GM at Time Square says: “When Cancervive approached us earlier this year to support them with accommodation for their ride, we did not hesitate. They have a tremendous goal creating awareness of cancer in marginalised communities that are also affected by the disease.
The outcomes of the rises over the past eight years speak for themselves and we are proud to be associated with such a worthy cause, says Hoppé, a biker himself.
Why be shy to talk about cancer- a question posed to both men and women?
The entourage depart Time Square on 5 October 2019, riding to towns such as Middelburg, Heidelberg, Hartbeespoort, Magaliesburg and Rustenburg amongst others, returning to Time Square on the 12th.
The event was graced by amputee Comrades Marathon runner Xolani Luvuno and Hein Venter, his mentor and businessman from Pretoria.
Although they are supported by major organisations donations are still welcome.
Image Mdu Mphahlele (Mme Lilian Dube (second from right) in the company of Cancervive Awareness Riders at the launch, Time Square).
